This maple syrup-toned spirit is a blend of Islay and Speyside malts, with no grain whisky added. The result is an effortless mix of lightly smoky and oaky caramel notes, and a smooth, velvety feel. A splash of branchwater amps up the peat quotient.

A staple in the liquor cabinet, this hearty, malty dram conveys peppery smoke, kippers, dry spices, pencil shavings, a biscuit-like cereal note, and more pungent peat smoke as the glass warms up. Among others, this comprises Talisker, Linkwood, Cragganmore, and Caol Ila malts. Fruit follows smoke, with vanilla, pastry desserts, and peppercorn spices, becoming creamier with shredded peel, apple cobbler, and a warming finish of orange peel and forward spices.